Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that he is currently accepting applications for nominations to fill one vacancy at the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado for the class entering in June, 2007.  He is also accepting nominations for the US Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA).  All other academy appointments, including West Point and the Naval Academy, are filled due to the fact that American Samoa is only allowed to have two candidates at any one Academy at any given time with the exception of the Merchant Marine Academy which can sometimes accept more than two candidates provided there are vacancies in the national pool. 

“Presently, American Samoa’s two slots at West Point, or the US Military Academy (USMA), are currently being filled by Mr. David Kava and Mr. Gibson Sale.  American Samoa’s two slots at the US Naval Academy (USNA) are being filled by
Mr. Edgar Carnecer and Mr. Penetekoso Peau.  Therefore, I am not eligible to submit any further nominations to these academies until a vacancy becomes available.”

“In the case of the US Air Force Academy (USAFA), one slot is already being filled by Mr. Richie Amisone.  Ms. Mercy Te’o is also at the US Air Force Academy.  Since both were at the Prep school last year and accepted into the Academy this year, only one slot was charged against American Samoa meaning that we now have another slot open at the Air Force Academy for which I can nominate up to ten applicants to fill the vacancy.  Only one of these ten applicants will be chosen and the determination will be made by the US Air Force Academy based on grades and SAT or ACT scores.”  

“The US Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) will accept up to ten nominations and will accept two candidates or more provided there are vacancies in the national pool.  The USMMA trains officers for the US Merchant Marines and, upon graduation, these officers can elect to serve in other branches of the military.  Midshipmen are trained in navigation, maritime law, personnel management, international law, Customs, electrical and mechanical systems, etc.  In times of war, the US Merchant Marines deliver military supplies to US forces.”

“For both the US Air Force Academy and the US Merchant Marine Academy, I will be accepting applications through Wednesday November 15, 2006 and will soon thereafter forward the names of the ten best qualified nominees for each academy.  In order to meet the high qualifying standards set forth by the academies, applicants should have a minimum Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) score of 580 Verbal and 560 for Math.  ACT scores should be a minimum of 24 English, 25 Math, 24 Reading, 25 Science.  Please keep in mind that these scores do not automatically qualify an applicant for admission.  For this reason, it is recommended that all applicants take the SAT or ACT more than once if they believe they can improve their test scores.”

Other eligibility requirements are as follows:

• an applicant must be at least 17 years of age and must not have passed his/her 23rd birthday on July 1 of the year of admission;
• unmarried, not pregnant and have no legal obligation to support a child, children or other individual;
• a United States citizen (U.S. Nationals may be nominated but must obtain U.S. citizenship before graduating); and
• of good moral character.

Candidates who are successful in gaining admission to one of the service academies, which are ranked among the top rated educational institutions in the United States, can look forward to being challenged academically and physically.  They will also receive a four-year education which is valued at over $320,000 and a career as an officer in the US military.  To obtain more information or to submit an application, contact Congressman Faleomavaega’s office in Utulei at 633-1372.

Applicants interested in attending the Coast Guard Academy must apply directly to the Coast Guard since the Coast Guard Academy has its own application process which does not include nominations from Members of Congress.  Students may contact the Coast Guard Academy online at www.USCGA.edu.